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alandd's review
5.0
People thinks short stories are meant to always feel as if they could have been longer and better, that it is a wasted chance to do a great novel or maybe a series. Frostbite could have certainly been a great novel, but that doesn't mean it wasn't an equally great story.
The characters felt very real, a lot, and their feelings, the way they acted and behaved, it all seemed to be natural and honest, just as what they felt, said, did, and everything in between. It was all so genuine I amost felt in the skin of one of the protagonists (a matter of personal likes, I need longer books to be completely inside.)
Also, I agree with those telling that this is like a fairy tale. The simple style, enchanting atmosphere and the general idea on how everything works and means something in this beutiful world the author created can only but make the reader daydream about living a love as sweet as this one.
The erotic content... I'll onl said I saw it all on my head in HD quality. The explicit description didn't make it look like a sh*t* Grey's porn book, which I am thankful for, as they still managed to be sweet, although with a significant heat level; very high, if anyone asks.
Yes, there are a few overused ideas, cliches, that some might dislike in here, but it is because of the structure that they didn't bother at all, but on the contrary, highlighted the special and original ideas on the story, as if they were the perfect complement for it.
The ending didn't surprise me, I knew where the characters were going to end at, but it is impressive that the author could play with my feelings and make me think, for a while, that I was wrong, as I didn't see coming what Rainor did at the end.
The characters felt very real, a lot, and their feelings, the way they acted and behaved, it all seemed to be natural and honest, just as what they felt, said, did, and everything in between. It was all so genuine I amost felt in the skin of one of the protagonists (a matter of personal likes, I need longer books to be completely inside.)
Also, I agree with those telling that this is like a fairy tale. The simple style, enchanting atmosphere and the general idea on how everything works and means something in this beutiful world the author created can only but make the reader daydream about living a love as sweet as this one.
The erotic content... I'll onl said I saw it all on my head in HD quality. The explicit description didn't make it look like a sh*t* Grey's porn book, which I am thankful for, as they still managed to be sweet, although with a significant heat level; very high, if anyone asks.
Yes, there are a few overused ideas, cliches, that some might dislike in here, but it is because of the structure that they didn't bother at all, but on the contrary, highlighted the special and original ideas on the story, as if they were the perfect complement for it.
The ending didn't surprise me, I knew where the characters were going to end at, but it is impressive that the author could play with my feelings and make me think, for a while, that I was wrong, as I didn't see coming what Rainor did at the end.
ellelainey's review
5.0
Book – Frostbite
Author – Alexandria Bellefleur
Star rating - ★★★★★
Word Count – 18k
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Fairytale, Fantasy, Short
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Captivating. That's the only word I can think of to describe what I just read. Captivating and beautiful.
From the characterisation to the evocative storytelling, there wasn't one thing I didn't love. This is a true fairytale, from the setting, language and execution, to the plot and characterisation. The story is one of those timeless things where it doesn't have to be past, present or future, because it could be any of them, so easily.
Rainor was this sweet, smart kid who is optimistic, brave and hopeful in ways that others aren't; he's aware enough to see what others miss and looks beyond the surface, even beyond his own fear. Drachen is his opposite; a pessimist from experience, afraid to leave his comfort zone and trying to do what is right while being considered a monster, he is the recluse who was chased away by a society who didn't understand him. Together, this pair are amazing. A beautiful, perfect couple who share their secrets and experience a true romance, with some heat, that I could happily read again and again.
I'll happily read this again in the future and I'll be eagerly keeping an eye out for more stories by Bellefleur.
~
Favourite Quote
“Run all you want, Rainor, but expect I'll follow.”
Author – Alexandria Bellefleur
Star rating - ★★★★★
Word Count – 18k
Cover – Gorgeous!
POV – 3rd person, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – LGBT, Fairytale, Fantasy, Short
** COPY RECEIVED THROUGH NETGALLEY **
Captivating. That's the only word I can think of to describe what I just read. Captivating and beautiful.
From the characterisation to the evocative storytelling, there wasn't one thing I didn't love. This is a true fairytale, from the setting, language and execution, to the plot and characterisation. The story is one of those timeless things where it doesn't have to be past, present or future, because it could be any of them, so easily.
Rainor was this sweet, smart kid who is optimistic, brave and hopeful in ways that others aren't; he's aware enough to see what others miss and looks beyond the surface, even beyond his own fear. Drachen is his opposite; a pessimist from experience, afraid to leave his comfort zone and trying to do what is right while being considered a monster, he is the recluse who was chased away by a society who didn't understand him. Together, this pair are amazing. A beautiful, perfect couple who share their secrets and experience a true romance, with some heat, that I could happily read again and again.
I'll happily read this again in the future and I'll be eagerly keeping an eye out for more stories by Bellefleur.
~
Favourite Quote
“Run all you want, Rainor, but expect I'll follow.”
see_sadie_read's review
2.0
2.5
I wasn't impressed. It's not bad, really, just simple. It's written in a fairytale style, like someone is telling a fairytale. And while I understand that this is a stylistic choice, all the telling meant I never felt I got to know the characters. I never connected with them.
It also felt like everything happened in a very linear, chronological order, with nothing in between. Such that every word of the story leads up to the sex scene that means they're in love. Then every world leads to the small conflict that leads to the happily ever after. But all this spare plotting meant there isn't any room for character development or world-building.
I understand that it's a 60 page novella, but I think it would have been much better to take the interesting idea and develop it into something more. The mechanical writing isn't bad and the characters are likable enough though.
I wasn't impressed. It's not bad, really, just simple. It's written in a fairytale style, like someone is telling a fairytale. And while I understand that this is a stylistic choice, all the telling meant I never felt I got to know the characters. I never connected with them.
It also felt like everything happened in a very linear, chronological order, with nothing in between. Such that every word of the story leads up to the sex scene that means they're in love. Then every world leads to the small conflict that leads to the happily ever after. But all this spare plotting meant there isn't any room for character development or world-building.
I understand that it's a 60 page novella, but I think it would have been much better to take the interesting idea and develop it into something more. The mechanical writing isn't bad and the characters are likable enough though.
jasminjo's review
4.0
I really liked the story. It wasn't what I expected and some twist happened you wouldn't think could fit in such a small story. One of the only 'problems' i have with the story, is that I wished it was longer. Not that it was lacking anything, but simply because enjoyed it so much, that I wished there were more. I applaud the author for fitting a whole and such a good story in so little pages. I'm almost wishing for a sequel, but I can't imagine what you would happen, without it fallen to the ground
Bellefleur was amazing at writing descriptions of things, you could see a picture of how it looked and what happens clearly in your head. Another thing I loved was that even when there only is so few pages, that she managed to not write an instant love story. A lot of months went by before something happened.
Read an more indept review on my blog: https://jasminjoreads.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/frostbite-review/
**Free copy provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review**
Bellefleur was amazing at writing descriptions of things, you could see a picture of how it looked and what happens clearly in your head. Another thing I loved was that even when there only is so few pages, that she managed to not write an instant love story. A lot of months went by before something happened.
Read an more indept review on my blog: https://jasminjoreads.wordpress.com/2017/04/14/frostbite-review/
**Free copy provided by Netgalley in return for an honest review**
veri98's review
5.0
5/5
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As I'm sure, you are familiar with the concept of a fairytale, or a myth, or simply a bedtime story. Well, this is one, but there is a catch - it isn't a Disney fairytale - it's more like one of the original Grimm Brothers' tales. No, it isn't filled with gore and horror, but it isn't one of those jumping/strutting/glitter filled tales either, seeing as it has some explicit content in the form of M/M scenes.
The story is told from the point of view of Rainor, the main character, and not from the narrator's point of view as is customary with the usual tales. So, more than a tale, this is a short story written to resemble, in some ways, a myth/fairytale.
Synopsis: "After his sister touches a lethal Frost Flower and succumbs to Frozen Sickness, Rainor seeks out the mysterious Dragon, who purportedly holds the only cure for the fatal disease. In gratitude for saving his sister's life, Rainor agrees to bring him fresh bread twice a week—despite the man's insistence he wants for nothing.
As Rainor makes his deliveries, the two slowly become friends, and Rainor finds in the Dragon all the things he never found in his little village. But on his way to make his latest delivery, the unthinkable happens, and Rainor fears that if he asks for the cure he needs to live, he'll lose the man he's coming to love…"
So, basically, the story was summarized completely in the synopsis. I'm not joking. The synopsis is exactly what happened explained from start to finish in as little words as possible. It's amazing how everything was told in 8/9 lines - of course, without any details, but still... how?
It's simple: the story is the synopsis with details and content.
So, basically, (read the synopsis), and while there are curses, stories told to keep children away, cures, horrible deaths, there is an ending (good or bad? you may ask - read the story, it won't take you but an hour and a half). I'm really bad with short stories, I always want more when there is no need, because I want to immerse myself in the story for a longer period of time. But, that is how fairy tales work, and it is how this story was built, and I, personally, would change nothing.
It was enchanting, captivating, and honestly? There was a moment while I was reading that a "certain event" made me cry. Usually, I only cry with books 300-400 pages long, because I have more time to "bond" with the characters, so this was a surprise, which indicates that this book was REALLY well written, so much so that it was capable of making the reader feel instead of just seeing in but a couple of pages, while some writers struggle to make you fall in love with their MCs for books, and even after so many pages, they fail.
READ IT, I certainly did not regret it, and I hope - if you follow me and read it aswell - that you feel the same way I did. I'm well aware that some people don't enjoy this kind of story/plot, but I really hope you take a shot. It will be published in the 26th of April and sold at the price of $1.99 (USD) in Ebook format. It's only two dollars, and for me, it is worth it.
I was given an eARC of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As I'm sure, you are familiar with the concept of a fairytale, or a myth, or simply a bedtime story. Well, this is one, but there is a catch - it isn't a Disney fairytale - it's more like one of the original Grimm Brothers' tales. No, it isn't filled with gore and horror, but it isn't one of those jumping/strutting/glitter filled tales either, seeing as it has some explicit content in the form of M/M scenes.
The story is told from the point of view of Rainor, the main character, and not from the narrator's point of view as is customary with the usual tales. So, more than a tale, this is a short story written to resemble, in some ways, a myth/fairytale.
Synopsis: "After his sister touches a lethal Frost Flower and succumbs to Frozen Sickness, Rainor seeks out the mysterious Dragon, who purportedly holds the only cure for the fatal disease. In gratitude for saving his sister's life, Rainor agrees to bring him fresh bread twice a week—despite the man's insistence he wants for nothing.
As Rainor makes his deliveries, the two slowly become friends, and Rainor finds in the Dragon all the things he never found in his little village. But on his way to make his latest delivery, the unthinkable happens, and Rainor fears that if he asks for the cure he needs to live, he'll lose the man he's coming to love…"
So, basically, the story was summarized completely in the synopsis. I'm not joking. The synopsis is exactly what happened explained from start to finish in as little words as possible. It's amazing how everything was told in 8/9 lines - of course, without any details, but still... how?
It's simple: the story is the synopsis with details and content.
So, basically, (read the synopsis), and while there are curses, stories told to keep children away, cures, horrible deaths, there is an ending (good or bad? you may ask - read the story, it won't take you but an hour and a half). I'm really bad with short stories, I always want more when there is no need, because I want to immerse myself in the story for a longer period of time. But, that is how fairy tales work, and it is how this story was built, and I, personally, would change nothing.
It was enchanting, captivating, and honestly? There was a moment while I was reading that a "certain event" made me cry. Usually, I only cry with books 300-400 pages long, because I have more time to "bond" with the characters, so this was a surprise, which indicates that this book was REALLY well written, so much so that it was capable of making the reader feel instead of just seeing in but a couple of pages, while some writers struggle to make you fall in love with their MCs for books, and even after so many pages, they fail.
READ IT, I certainly did not regret it, and I hope - if you follow me and read it aswell - that you feel the same way I did. I'm well aware that some people don't enjoy this kind of story/plot, but I really hope you take a shot. It will be published in the 26th of April and sold at the price of $1.99 (USD) in Ebook format. It's only two dollars, and for me, it is worth it.
lucyp21's review
3.0
Liked the fairytale romance of this book. The Frost Flowers and the curse and the dragon were all parts I really enjoyed as well as how Rainor broke the curse (I was expecting something else when I heard about it). Frostbite could benefit from being expanded though, some more of the relationship development and seeing Rainor outside of the mountain with Drachen would have been good. It felt a bit unfinished, like it's missing a few scenes to develop the characters and the relationship. I enjoyed it nonetheless.
*book sent by NetGalley in exchange for honest review*
*book sent by NetGalley in exchange for honest review*
novelbloglover's review
5.0
From the characterisation to the evocative storytelling, there wasn't one thing I didn't love. This is a true fairytale, from the setting, language and execution, to the plot and characterisation. The story is one of those timeless things where it doesn't have to be past, present or future, because it could be any of them, so easily.
Rainor was this sweet, smart kid who is optimistic, brave and hopeful in ways that others aren't; he's aware enough to see what others miss and looks beyond the surface, even beyond his own fear. Drachen is his opposite; a pessimist from experience, afraid to leave his comfort zone and trying to do what is right while being considered a monster, he is the recluse who was chased away by a society who didn't understand him. Together, this pair are amazing. A beautiful, perfect couple who share their secrets and experience a true romance, with some heat, that I could happily read again and again.
Admittedly my biggest disappointment here is there's no dragon I have to say I felt a little cheated on that except one of the MCs name was Drachen and in truth he's no mere man but if you want to know why he's not...you'll need to read the story. Which shouldn't be problem because honestly it was a beautiful story.
The characters felt very real, a lot, and their feelings, the way they acted and behaved, it all seemed to be natural and honest, just as what they felt, said, did, and everything in between. It was all so genuine I almost felt in the skin of one of the protagonists. I really loved the simple writing style, enchanting atmosphere and the general idea on how everything works and means something in this beautiful world the author created can only but make the reader daydream about living a love as sweet as this one. In regard to the erotic content I expected it to be very explicit, which at times it was but it still managed to be sweet, although it maintain the heat level that I wanted from the romance part of this novella.
Rainor was this sweet, smart kid who is optimistic, brave and hopeful in ways that others aren't; he's aware enough to see what others miss and looks beyond the surface, even beyond his own fear. Drachen is his opposite; a pessimist from experience, afraid to leave his comfort zone and trying to do what is right while being considered a monster, he is the recluse who was chased away by a society who didn't understand him. Together, this pair are amazing. A beautiful, perfect couple who share their secrets and experience a true romance, with some heat, that I could happily read again and again.
Admittedly my biggest disappointment here is there's no dragon I have to say I felt a little cheated on that except one of the MCs name was Drachen and in truth he's no mere man but if you want to know why he's not...you'll need to read the story. Which shouldn't be problem because honestly it was a beautiful story.
The characters felt very real, a lot, and their feelings, the way they acted and behaved, it all seemed to be natural and honest, just as what they felt, said, did, and everything in between. It was all so genuine I almost felt in the skin of one of the protagonists. I really loved the simple writing style, enchanting atmosphere and the general idea on how everything works and means something in this beautiful world the author created can only but make the reader daydream about living a love as sweet as this one. In regard to the erotic content I expected it to be very explicit, which at times it was but it still managed to be sweet, although it maintain the heat level that I wanted from the romance part of this novella.
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